IndiGo places order for 30 more wide-body A350 planes
Last Updated:
New Delhi, Jun 1 (PTI) IndiGo on Sunday announced it will place a firm order for another 30 wide-body A350-900 planes as the country's largest airline steps up its efforts for long-term international expansion.
In April last year, the airline placed a firm order for 30 A350 aircraft and there was an option to order 70 more such planes.
At a briefing in the national capital, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said that out of the option for 70 planes, it is now placing a firm order of 30 aircraft.
The airline has over 900 planes on order that are to be delivered in the coming years.
With ambitions to have more than 600 planes as well as become a global carrier by 2030, IndiGo is not only betting on more wide-body operations but is also expanding its partnerships to provide enhanced connectivity to Europe and North American destinations.
On the sidelines of the IATA World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in the national capital, IndiGo inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to double its wide-body order from 30 to 60 firm Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
'This is yet another step in defining the airline's long-term plans of international expansion," the airline said.
IndiGo is also set to operate flights to 10 new overseas cities with leased Boeing 787 planes in the current fiscal year ending March 2026.
First Published:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
President Trump deeply admires, respects India, we are going to have great relationship together: Commerce Secretary Lutnick
Washington, Jun 3 (PTI) The core population of India has drive and ambition and that's why its economy will always continue to thrive, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said, underlining that President Donald Trump deeply admires and respects India and the two countries are going to have a "great relationship together." India has one of the most extraordinary economies, Lutnick said in his keynote address at the eighth edition of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit here on Monday. "The key that makes an extraordinary economy is the determination of the people. How much do your people care about being in business? How entrepreneurial are they? How much do they drive to be better for their families?" he said. "From what I know about India, the core population of India has that drive and ambition, and that's why the Indian economy will always continue to grow and thrive because it has that from the underpinning and so you can do things in India that many other countries, you just can't get done.' He added that while President Trump thinks 'America first', he does not think 'America only' or 'America exclusively'. 'First, he's got to take care of home so we're big and strong, but then he's going to take care of his allies. He's going to make sure he takes care of India, who he deeply, deeply admires and respects and we are going to have a great, great relationship together," Lutnick said. Responding to a question on Indian talent in the US against the backdrop of ongoing visa and immigration discussions, Lutnick said the success of Indian entrepreneurs in America, individuals of Indian nationality leading and running so many of the 'great companies' of America 'because they're fantastic entrepreneurs, fantastic business people, smart, thoughtful, educated in every way. 'But I think the ordinary path of immigration for America is changing. The Trump Card is coming out. I expect the Trump Card will create really an enormous opportunity for people to have the ability to come to America,' he said, referring to the USD 5 million 'Trump Gold Card', on the lines of a Green Card, that will fast-track the process for foreigners to live and work in the US. Lutnick said he feels 'we are going to be incredibly successful in India. So when people ask me, 'When are you coming to India?' I'd say, 'When I launch the Trump Card, I promise you I'm coming to India'.' He said it's a wonderful opportunity for people to be part of two economies - the Indian economy and the American economy, and people will be able to come to America and participate in America. 'Here's the key. You can become like a green card holder, the equivalent of it, it's the Trump Gold Card. You can do it that way and pay global tax, or you can keep everything the way it is and just pay US tax on US assets, and you pay nothing on your global assets and no inheritance tax, and none of that kind of stuff either. 'And that's what we're going to call it an international entrepreneur. That's a special category, and I think it will be very, very well received amongst the great people of India who want to participate and have the means to participate in America," he said. In response to a question on whether the US will be doing more to help push more manufacturing in India, Lutnick said America wants to bring advanced manufacturing back to the United States. 'That's a key industrial platform for us, to bring back domestic manufacturing and reshoring in America,' he said, adding that there are an enormous number of product categories that 'we are going to be delighted for India to produce.' He said that there will be a trade deal that says certain kinds of industries would be great for India to produce. 'And in fact, there are enormous numbers of industries that we'd really like to go to India. What happens is, you create the sort of trade deal that puts India in a unique position because it'll have a special relationship with the United States and certain industries. 'It will have a better tariff relationship than most other countries in the world, which means India will be the beneficiary of those kind of products,' he said, adding that some will need to be reshored to America but they'll be replaced with incredible opportunity for India, which has one of the most extraordinary economies. On whether he sees opportunities for collaboration between India and the US in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging tech, Lutnick said, 'Our idea is that we want to embrace our allies and our friends in a way that is much more open than the Biden administration, not even on the same hemisphere. 'So we love our allies. We want our allies to participate in the AI revolution with us. And if India is interested, which of course it is, and it wants to build giant data centres and be a part of that model, we are ready, willing and look forward to embracing India as a partner and friend in that path," he said.
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
PM invites global firms to invest in India's fast-growing aviation sector
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invited global companies to invest in the country's fast-growing aviation sector, citing a streamlined regulatory framework, ease of compliance, and a simplified tax structure. The Prime Minister also pointed to the emergence of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) as a sunrise sector, highlighting that India is accelerating efforts to become a global hub for aircraft maintenance. He was addressing the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the plenary session of the World Air Transport Summit (WATS). He noted that in 2014, India had 96 MRO facilities, which has now increased to 154, while 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route, GST reduction, and tax rationalisation measures have given fresh momentum to the MRO sector. Modi further outlined India's goal to establish a USD 4 billion MRO hub by 2030, reinforcing the nation's aviation growth strategy. 'The new Indian Aircraft Act aligns aviation laws with global best practices, ensuring a streamlined regulatory framework, ease of compliance, and a simplified tax structure, presenting a significant investment opportunity for major international aviation companies,' Modi said. The last IATA AGM in India was held 42 years ago in 1983. It brings together more than 1,600 participants, including top global aviation industry leaders, government officials and international media representatives. The Prime Minister highlighted the transformative changes the country has undergone in the last four decades, stating that today's India is more confident than ever. He also underscored India's role in the global aviation ecosystem, not only as a vast market but also as a symbol of policy leadership, innovation, and inclusive development. 'Today, India is emerging as a global leader in space-aviation convergence,' the PM said, adding that the civil aviation sector has witnessed historic advancements over the past decade, which are well recognised. He outlined three foundational pillars driving India's aviation sector -- a vast market, not merely a collection of consumers but a reflection of India's aspirational society; a strong demographic and talent pool -- where young innovators are pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, and clean energy; and an open and supportive policy ecosystem, enabling industrial growth. 'India has become the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world,' Modi said. He emphasised the success of the UDAN scheme and termed it a golden chapter in Indian civil aviation history. Modi stated that under this initiative, over 15 million passengers have benefitted from affordable air travel, enabling many citizens to fly for the first time.
India Gazette
4 hours ago
- India Gazette
PM Modi addresses IATA's 81st Annual General Meeting and plenary Session of World Air Transport Summit
New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): In line with his commitment to developing world-class air infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the plenary session of World Air Transport Summit (WATS) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday. According to a release, speaking at the event, the Prime Minister welcomed guests, highlighting the significance of the event returning to India after four decades. He emphasised the transformative changes India has undergone during this period, stating that today's India is more confident than ever. PM Modi underscored India's role in the global aviation ecosystem, not only as a vast market but also as a symbol of policy leadership, innovation, and inclusive development. 'Today, India is emerging as a global leader in space-aviation convergence', remarked the Prime Minister, noting that the civil aviation sector has witnessed historic advancements over the past decade, which are well recognised. As per the official release, PM Modi emphasised that 'this summit and dialogue serve as a platform not only for aviation but also for advancing global cooperation, climate commitments, and equitable growth.' He highlighted that discussions at the summit will provide new direction to global aviation, unlocking its infinite possibilities and optimising its potential. He remarked on humanity's ability to cover vast distances and intercontinental journeys in mere hours, stressing that the aspirations of the 21st century continue to evolve beyond conventional travel. The Prime Minister noted the rapid pace of innovation and technological advancements, stating that as speed increases, distant destinations are becoming our destiny. According to the release, underscoring that travel is no longer confined to cities on Earth, with increasing ambitions to commercialise space flights and interplanetary journeys, integrating them into civil aviation, PM Modi acknowledged that while such developments will take time, they highlight aviation's future as a center of transformation and innovation, for which India is fully prepared. The Prime Minister outlined three foundational pillars driving India's aviation sector, first, a vast market--not merely a collection of consumers but a reflection of India's aspirational society. Second, a strong demographic and talent pool--where young innovators are pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, and clean energy. Third, an open and supportive policy ecosystem--enabling industrial growth. PM emphasised that with these strengths, India is poised to elevate its aviation sector to unprecedented heights. The Prime Minister highlighted India's remarkable transformation in civil aviation over the past years. He added, 'India has become the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world'. Emphasising the success of the UDAN scheme, calling it a golden chapter in Indian civil aviation history, PM Modi stated that under this initiative, over 15 million passengers have benefited from affordable air travel, enabling many citizens to fly for the first time. The Prime Minister remarked that India's airlines continue to achieve double-digit growth, with 240 million passengers flying annually--surpassing the total population of most countries worldwide. He projected that by 2030, this number is expected to reach 500 million passengers. PM Modi noted that 3.5 million metric tons of cargo are transported by air annually in India and this volume is set to increase to 10 million metric tons by the end of this decade. Emphasising that these figures are not just statistics but a reflection of India's immense potential, the Prime Minister highlighted that India is actively working on a futuristic roadmap to maximise this potential. He underscored India's investment in world-class airport infrastructure, noting that in 2014, the country had 74 operational airports, which have now expanded to 162. PM Modi further remarked that Indian carriers have placed orders for over 2,000 new aircraft, signalling rapid growth in the sector. Stressing that this is just the beginning, as India's aviation industry stands at a crucial take-off point, set to achieve unprecedented heights, he highlighted that this transformation will not only transcend geographical boundaries but will also drive sustainability, green mobility, and equitable access globally. 'India's airports now have an annual handling capacity of 500 million passengers and is among the few nations setting new standards in user experience through technology', exclaimed the Prime Minister, stating that equal priority is being given to safety, efficiency, and sustainability. He further underscored India's transition towards sustainable aviation fuels, investment in green technologies, and efforts to reduce the carbon footprint. PM Modi remarked that India is committed to ensuring both progress and environmental security, reinforcing a balanced approach to development. Urging international guests to familiarise themselves with the Digi Yatra app, highlighting it as a pioneering example of digital aviation, the Prime Minister emphasised that Digi Yatra provides a complete, seamless travel solution using facial verification technology, enabling passengers to navigate from airport entry to boarding gates without requiring paper documents or ID display. PM Modi said that India's innovations and experience in serving a large population can benefit many countries. He added, 'Digi Yatra stands as a secure and smart solution, serving as a model of inspiration for the Global South'. Underlining that consistent reforms have been a key driver of India's rapidly expanding aviation sector, the Prime Minister stressed India's commitment to becoming a global manufacturing hub, with strategic initiatives supporting this vision. Mentioning that Mission Manufacturing was announced in this year's budget, reinforcing India's focus on industrial growth, PM Modi further highlighted the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, passed in Parliament this year, granting legal authority to the Cape Town Convention in India. The Prime Minister remarked that this legislation opens new opportunities for global aircraft leasing companies in India. He also pointed to the incentives offered at Gift City, stating that these measures have made India an attractive destination for aircraft leasing. 'The new Indian Aircraft Act aligns aviation laws with global best practices, ensuring a streamlined regulatory framework, ease of compliance, and a simplified tax structure, which presents a significant investment opportunity for major international aviation companies', said PM Modi. He highlighted that growth in the aviation sector translates to new flights, new jobs, and new possibilities, noting that the industry is creating expanding opportunities for pilots, crew members, engineers, and ground staff. The Prime Minister also pointed to the emergence of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) as a sunrise sector, highlighting that India is accelerating efforts to become a global hub for aircraft maintenance. He noted that in 2014, India had 96 MRO facilities, which have now increased to 154, while 100% FDI under the automatic route, GST reduction, and tax rationalisation measures have given fresh momentum to India's MRO sector. PM Modi further outlined India's goal to establish a $4 billion MRO hub by 2030, reinforcing the nation's aviation growth strategy. Stressing that India should not be viewed merely as an aviation market but as a value-chain leader, the Prime Minister said, from design to delivery, India is becoming an integral part of the global aviation supply chain. He asserted that India's direction and pace are on the right track, expressing confidence in the nation's continued rapid progress. PM Modi urged aviation companies to not only embrace 'Make in India' but also 'Design in India', reinforcing the vision of India's leadership in global aviation innovation. The Prime Minister underlined that India's aviation sector is strengthened by its inclusive model, with over 15% of pilots in India are women, which is three times the global average. He emphasised that while the global average of women in cabin crew is around 70%, India's figure stands at 86%. PM Modi also remarked that women engineers in India's MRO sector exceed global averages, demonstrating growing female participation in the industry. Underscoring that drone technology is a key component of aviation's future, and India is leveraging it for technological advancements as well as financial and social inclusion, the Prime Minister highlighted that drones are being used to empower women's self-help groups, increasing their participation in agriculture, delivery services, and various other sectors. 'Aviation safety has always been India's top priority. India has aligned its regulations with ICAO's global standards', exclaimed PM Modi, reinforcing India's commitment to international best practices. He highlighted that ICAO's recent safety audit recognised India's efforts in strengthening aviation security and the adoption of the Delhi Declaration at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference is further proof of India's commitment to global aviation excellence. The Prime Minister stated that India consistently supports Open Skies and Global Connectivity. He reaffirmed India's endorsement of the principles of the Chicago Convention, advocating for a more connected and accessible aviation network. PM Modi urged stakeholders to work together in creating a future where air travel is accessible, affordable, and secure for all. He concluded by expressing confidence in the sector's ability to develop new solutions to elevate aviation to greater heights and extended his best wishes to all the stakeholders. The Union Ministers Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Murlidhar Mohol, Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors, Mr. Pieter Elbers, Director General of IATA, Mr. Willie Walsh, Managing Director of IndiGo, and Rahul Bhatia were present among other dignitaries at the event. (ANI)
